John Whelan Obituary

John Whelan VIRGINIA BEACH - Capt. John Whelan passed away Sept. 6, 2008, at his home. He was born in Whitman, Mass., Dec. 29, 1936, to John and Germaine Whelan. He was preceded in death by his son, Christopher. Capt. Whelan is survived by his wife, the former Mary Jane Sunday of Clearfield, Pa.; his sons, Richard, John Daniel and wife Suzy of Virginia Beach, Steven and wife Vivian of Powells Point, N.C., and daughter-in-law Cathy Whelan of Virginia Beach. He leaves also his grandchildren, Andrew, Hope, Skylar and Steven. He joined the Navy as an enlisted man in 1954 before entering the United States Naval Academy, graduating in 1960. He enjoyed a distinguished naval career spending 31 years mostly aboard nuclear submarines including the USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Sea Devil, USS Halibut and commanding the USS Tinosa and the L Y Spear. He served early in his career aboard the KD Bailey. Capt. Whelan also led staff submarine operations for Comsublant in Norfolk and Comsubpac in Hawaii. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, three Navy Commendation medals, the Navy Achievement medal, and two meritorious service medals. While having a distinguished Naval career, John's other interests included spending time out on the Chesapeake Bay fishing with his sons. He enjoyed all kinds of fishing, but especially good times were had during rockfish season. John took his family to Key West every year to enjoy the sunshine and the sea. He also spent time working diligently for the Chris Whelan Memorial Golf Tournament honoring his late son. He was a member of Eastem Shore Chapel in Virginia Beach. John was an exceptional man in his service to his country, but even more so in his love for his family. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Laskin Road Chapel. A funeral will be held in Eastern Shore Chapel Episcopal Church with the Rev. C. Christopher Thompson at 3 p.m. Wednesday. Interment will follow in Eastern Shore Chapel Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.hdoliver.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 945, Virginia Beach, VA 23451.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Sep. 8, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for John Whelan

6 Entries

Jon Harden

September 13, 2008

Dear Mary Jane,

Janet and I were deeply shocked and saddened to hear the news of John's passing when we returned yesterday from a trip to the west coast. We are sorry that we couldn't be with at his funeral.

Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

God Bless,

Janet and David Harden

Lew Sykes

September 11, 2008

Dear Mary Jane,
As a fellow Clearfielder and submariner, we crossed paths only once on the staff about 1971. We look forward to contacting you when we rerturn to 88th Street this weekend. You have our sincere condolences. Lew and Mary Sykes

Bob Towle

September 9, 2008

I fondly recall the Class of 60 reunions we attended and had the good fortune to see you and John during these happy events. I also recall the good time we had during the visit when you and John hosted an afternoon meeting with Bill Roark - the son of one of our 8th Company deceased classmates. John will be missed by many and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Keep John in your heart and always remember the good times you shared.

Bob Towle, 8th Co., Class of '60

Liz & Larry Johnson

September 9, 2008

Dear Mary Jane,

Wanting to write "and John" was automatic. I had to back up and delete. Larry and I are so saddened by this news. Memories of the many times we shared over the years, fun and silly times, came flooding back to my thoughts. (Actually you and I were silly. Larry and John just watched!) From our first meeting in VA Beach to our wedding in HI and all the great times we had there, through our returns to the Mainland followed by retirements. Though we've seen less of you over the last several years you are both inseperable in our minds and hearts and among our dearest friends.

At Chris's funeral I remember John saying a child should never preceed a parent in death. Now he has joined Chris. I have no doubt the love from both of them will give you a constant warmth in your heart and a certain peace knowing they are together again.

John's love and kindness to so many people will be missed by all whose lives he touched. Knowing the love, compassion and deep sense of faith you shared won't be able to fill the void his death has created. But the tight circle of your family and the extended circle of your friends will keep his memory alive with wonderful stories of 2 of the most special people in the world.

God bless,

Liz and Larry

Helen and Don Hughlett

September 8, 2008

Mary
Jane,
Our love and warm thoughts are with you and your family at this very
sad time. We enjoyed getting to know John at our 50th Wyoming Seminary Reunion.
Our continual prayers and love are with you all,
Helen and Don Hughlett

Jack Greenhalgh

September 8, 2008

We will miss John. Our prayers are with you.
Jack Greenhalgh '60

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results